The Reason More People Switch To Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth decay happen to the majority of patients at some point, but the approach doesn't have to leave a silver spot on your smile. Tooth colored fillings provide a contemporary option to conventional metal amalgam fillings — matching the true shade of your tooth so precisely that most people won't notice you ever had a cavity.
At ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics, our philosophy is that necessary dental treatment should not sacrifice how your teeth looks. Treating individuals all over Coral Springs, FL, our dentists apply composite resin materials for treating damaged areas in a way that looks natural from start to finish.
Whether you have a minor cavity on a molar, or you want to update old silver fillings which have started to stand out, tooth colored fillings may be precisely what you need. Keep reading to discover what you need to understand before booking a visit.
What Are Tooth Colored Fillings?
Tooth colored fillings — also called composite fillings or resin-based restorations — represent a type of restorative material made from a combination of powdered glass get more info granules and plastic resin. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, which are composed of mercury, tooth colored fillings attach securely to your existing tooth structure. This adhesion method means less original tooth being removed at the outset.
This filling material is layered in successive increments, each coat hardened within seconds using a high-intensity blue light. After each layer hardens, your clinician contours and finishes the filling until it mimics the exact shape of your tooth with great accuracy. What you're left with is a restoration so seamlessly integrated it seems like nothing was ever treated.
Beyond aesthetics, tooth colored fillings work impressively from a durability angle. Since the composite resin adheres molecularly to the tooth, it actually supports reinforce the remaining tooth material. Today's composite materials are significantly more wear-resistant than previous versions, making them an effective solution for visible and chewing teeth.
The Main Benefits of Tooth Colored Fillings
- Natural Look: The filling is color-matched to your individual tooth shade, so the repair nearly invisible during normal conversation.
- Conservative Tooth Loss: Because composite attaches chemically to enamel, the provider can limit eliminate the damaged portion, keeping more of your healthy tooth structure.
- No Mercury Materials: Compared to amalgam fillings, tooth colored fillings are made without toxic metallic compounds — an important distinction for patients who prefer biocompatible dental materials.
- Multi-Purpose Application: Tooth colored fillings can treat cavities on any tooth in the mouth across the board, and can also restore minor fractures and worn surfaces.
- Fast Hardening: Each layer of composite cures within seconds under our dental light, which means treatment is fully hardened before you leave the office.
- Thermal Expansion Close To Natural Teeth: Composite resin behaves in a way that closely mirrors natural enamel, reducing the risk of tiny cracks over time.
- Repairability: If a tooth colored filling becomes damaged eventually, a dentist can typically touch it up without completely replacing the restoration — which saves you time and money.
- Same-Visit Results: Most patients can eat without restriction within a short time of treatment, since composite hardens fully right in the chair.
The Tooth Colored Fillings Process: What to Expect
- Full Evaluation and Cavity Identification — Prior to treatment, a provider assesses the cavity through advanced imaging plus a clinical check. This helps confirm the extent of the decay while confirming that a tooth colored filling is the ideal approach.
- Choosing the Right Shade — With the help of a dental shade guide, our team picks the composite resin tint that most closely matches your natural tooth color. This step guarantees the final filling looks natural with your smile.
- Local Anesthetic and Getting Comfortable — Numbing medication is administered near the treatment site ensuring you experience minimal sensation during the procedure. Most people find themselves amazed at how manageable current procedures are.
- Cavity Preparation and Site Cleaning — Any damaged tooth material is precisely drilled away via a dental drill or occasionally using minimally invasive tools. Because composite attaches chemically, only the decayed portion must be treated — healthy enamel is preserved.
- Placing the Filling — Filling material is built up through careful layers. Between each layer, an LED curing light is used to harden the material rapidly. Layering the composite ensures maximum durability producing a precise final contour.
- Sculpting and Polishing — Once all layers are placed, the provider sculpts and refines the composite so it mirrors your tooth's natural bite. A careful check is done ensuring your bite feels perfectly balanced.
- Final Review and Care Recommendations — Before you leave, the provider walks you through care recommendations in the hours and days post-appointment. Any sensitivity that may occur tends to be temporary and minor.
Who Is a Great Fit for Tooth Colored Fillings?
Tooth colored fillings suit a large group of people. People dealing with a small to medium cavity — regardless of whether it's located a back molar or a back molar — is usually considered an excellent candidate. Patients who want a mercury-free philosophy about dental care often prefer composite options. Beyond new cavities, tooth colored fillings are also ideal for individuals looking to swap out worn amalgam fillings that've started to degrade or just aged poorly.
Children and grown-ups may receive tooth colored fillings, while the specific approach is influenced by factors like the extent of decay, tooth location, and your broader dental picture. Those dealing with very large cavities, heavily broken teeth, or back teeth that absorb heavy chewing loads may be recommended an inlay or onlay in place of a conventional filling. Our provider is always ready to explain your alternatives so you feel comfortable and confident from the start.
One more consideration that patients with active gum disease could require periodontal treatment prior to fillings, since stable gums are critical for long-lasting restorations. During your first visit, our clinicians at ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics take time to review your overall mouth health prior to offering any treatment suggestions.
Tooth Colored Fillings FAQ
How long does a the composite filling last in the chair?A typical single tooth colored filling can be completed within one appointment including prep. Multiple fillings or cases where multiple teeth are being treated might need additional chair time, though the provider provides you a clear time estimate at the evaluation.
Do tooth colored fillings hurt?A local anesthetic is administered at the start, meaning most people feel nothing during the procedure. Once the numbing dissipates, brief tooth sensitivity near the filling is normal and typically fades within one to three days. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually all that's needed if sensitivity occurs.
How long do tooth colored fillings last?Through consistent home care, tooth colored fillings can last 7 to 15 years or more — occasionally even more influenced by factors like your bite force, home care routine, the position of the restoration in the jaw. Routine checkups at our office allow us to track the restoration and catch any signs of wear early.
Are composite fillings included in dental insurance?A number of insurance policies include tooth colored fillings at least partially, however the amount can vary depending on the policy and which location. Some plans pay for composite restorations equally as amalgam, whereas others might expect additional cost for the composite option. Our front office team check your coverage ahead of treatment.
Can I replace my existing silver fillings with tooth colored fillings?Many individuals opt to swap out their old silver fillings with composite for both aesthetic and functional purposes. When an existing amalgam filling is cracked, begun to leak, or has unsightly, swapping it out with a tooth colored alternative is a common procedure in our office. A quick evaluation will confirm whether your existing amalgam is ready for replacement.
Tooth Colored Fillings for Local Patients
Coral Springs, FL attracts a diverse group of homeowners, students, and lifelong residents, many of whom travel to ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics from neighborhoods like The Bridges and Wyndham Lakes. Those driving in from along University Drive value the fact that our office is conveniently accessible while providing flexible scheduling options for both new and existing patients. Local spots like Coral Square Mall and the Coral Springs Medical Center define an area our practice is honored to be a part of.
If you live or work around the Sportsplex neighborhood or on Atlantic Boulevard, you're a quick trip from receiving the dental treatment you've been meaning to schedule. Everyone at ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics is committed to making every visit as efficient and painless as possible, from parking to leaving the office. These tooth-matched restorations form just one of the many ways our practice supports our patients here maintain healthy teeth.
Book Your Tooth Colored Fillings Visit Today
There's no reason to put up with a cavity that hurts or a mouth full of gray metal spots while a quick and aesthetically superior alternative is right here. Our practice stands prepared to assist patients receive the dental treatment you need using tooth-matched composite fillings that blend naturally for many years to come. Reach out to our team now and book your consultation — we're ready to address any concerns so you can get on your way to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics | 8894 Royal Palm Boulevard | Coral Springs FL 33065 | (954) 345-5200